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Brewers Association Announces 2025 Industry Award Winners

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BOULDER, CO — The Brewers Association (BA), the not-for-profit trade organization representing small and independent American craft brewers, is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Industry Awards. Since 1987, these prestigious honors have been bestowed upon individuals and groups that have made a significant impact on the craft beer community. This year’s award winners will be celebrated for their dedication and contributions during a special ceremony on April 30, 2025, at the Craft Brewers Conference® (CBC)Opens in new window in Indianapolis.

“Congratulations to this year’s Industry Award winners. Their dedication and advocacy have strengthened the craft brewing community and paved the way for its continued success,” said Bart Watson, president and CEO of the Brewers Association. “We celebrate their achievements and thank them for their invaluable contributions.”

2025 Industry Award Recipients

Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Craft Brewing
Ron Jeffries (in memoriam), Founder, Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales (Dexter, Mich.)

This award is presented in honor of Wynkoop Brewing Company’s founding partner, Russell Schehrer, to an individual or company for their innovative contributions to the brewing industry.

Ron Jeffries (1967-2024), this year’s recipient of the Innovation in Craft Brewing award, embodied the spirit of the Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Craft Brewing. His passion, dedication to excellence, and commitment to sharing knowledge left a lasting impact on the brewing community.

Ron’s journey began in the 1980s, sparked by his curiosity for craft beer, which led him to study brewing science and work in the industry. In 2004, he and his wife, Laurie, founded Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, a brewery known for its fun, quirky spirit and pioneering wild, oak-aged sour beers. That same year, Jolly Pumpkin won a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival®.

As an early supporter of the Michigan Brewers Guild and a longtime board member, Ron played a key role in shaping the craft beer scene throughout the world and was a mentor to many. His legacy lives on through his commitment to artisan brewing and innovation in craft beer.

Brewers Association Recognition Award
The NC Beer Community

This award is presented to an individual, company, or group whose inspiration, enthusiasm, and support have contributed to the craft brewing movement.

Hurricane Helene’s devastation on September 27, 2024, brought over 20 inches of rain, extreme flooding, and landslides that destroyed roads, bridges, and entire communities. More than 7,000 roads and 650 bridges were damaged, and 106 lives were lost. In Asheville, Buncombe County’s water system failed, leaving residents without potable water for 53 days. With power and cell service down, families were disconnected.

Breweries statewide stepped up—taprooms became supply hubs, trucks delivered emergency aid, and impacted breweries served as relief centers. Highland Brewing’s Leah Ashburn captured the moment: “We can’t brew without water, so each day we adapt to meet new needs.”

The NC Craft Brewers Guild launched Pouring for Neighbors, raising $250,000 through national brewery support. Its new nonprofit, the NC Craft Brewers Foundation, has distributed $152,000 in grants, ensuring breweries can rebuild and continue serving their communities.

The NC Beer Community’s collaborative spirit remains unwavering, proving that in times of crisis, the beer community rises stronger—together.

F.X. Matt Defense of the Industry Award
Ted Zeller, Norris-McLaughlin, and the Brewers of Pennsylvania

This award, named for the late F.X. Matt of F.X. Matt Brewing Co., is presented to an individual or company for their contributions and efforts in championing the small brewing industry.

Ted Zeller, this year’s F.X. Matt Defense of the Industry Award winner, entered beer law in 2006, leading a landmark case against InBev. His work caught Dick Yuengling’s attention, sparking ongoing collaboration on legislative and distribution efforts with D.G. Yuengling & Son.

In 2009, Ted helped Yuengling fight a wholesaler bill threatening franchise laws. He connected with craft industry leaders, including Bill Covaleski of Victory Brewing Company and Chris Trogner of Tröegs Independent Brewing, playing a key role in forming the Brewers of Pennsylvania, where he currently serves as General Counsel.

Among his countless contributions to craft beer advocacy, these stand out as especially significant:

  • Opposing franchise law expansion before the Pennsylvania Senate.
  • Authoring laws streamlining brand registration, packaging, and direct sales.
  • Negotiating a reduced 1.5% beer sales tax.
  • Defending craft brewers in antitrust and licensing cases.
  • Advocating for breweries as essential businesses during COVID-19.

“Ted has been the agent of change that turned Pennsylvania into one of the best states for breweries,” said Tom Kehoe, Yards Brewing.

Brewers Association Mentor of the Year Award
Shawn Mullen, Stone Brewing Company

Shawn Mullen, this year’s Mentor of the Year, joined the Brewers Association’s inaugural mentorship cohort in 2021. His dedication to fostering industry talent has helped individuals, companies, and brands grow.

Shawn began his career buying beer for a Massachusetts liquor store group, building a craft-focused program centered on quality and education. In 2014, Shawn relocated to Seattle to expand Wallace Brewing’s sales territories, later joining The Odom Corporation as National Account Manager to support craft brands in building chain retail business. In 2019, Shawn joined Stone Brewing, where he currently serves as the Director of National Accounts, Off Premise for the East Coast. He earned his Advanced Cicerone certification in 2022 and joined the Brewers Association’s Market Development Committee in 2024.

“Shawn has been the professor of craft beer I always hoped for,” said mentee Chris Housman. “He builds bridges and shows the path forward, empowering others to succeed.”

Award recipients were nominated by their peers and determined by votes from staff and committees comprised of members of the Brewers Association Board of Directors, the craft brewing community, and past award winners.

In addition to the individual industry awards, the Brewers Association conducts two prestigious national and international professional brewing competitions: the Great American Beer Festival Competition and the World Beer CupOpens in new window®.

About the Brewers Association
The Brewers Association (BA) is the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independentOpens in new window American brewers, their beers, and the community of brewing enthusiasts. The BA represents 5,600-plus U.S. breweries. The BA’s independent craft brewer seal is a widely adopted symbol that differentiates beers by small and independent craft brewers. The Brewers Association organizes events, including the World Beer Cup®, Great American Beer FestivalOpens in new window®, Craft Brewers ConferenceOpens in new window® & BrewExpo America®, National Homebrew CompetitionOpens in new window, and American Craft Beer WeekOpens in new window®. The BA publishes The New BrewerOpens in new window® and Zymurgy® magazines, and Brewers Publications® is the leading publisher of brewing literature in the U.S. Beer lovers are invited to learn more about the dynamic world of craft beer at CraftBeer.comOpens in new window® and about homebrewing via the American Homebrewers AssociationOpens in new window®. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

The Brewers Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital/familial status. The BA complies with provisions of Executive Order 13672 and the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.

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Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America Heads to Indiana in 2025

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BOULDER, CO— The Brewers Association (BA) is proud to announce the return of the Craft Brewers Conference®(CBC) & BrewExpo America®, the nation’s premier gathering for beverage alcohol professionals, in 2025. The conference will take place in Indianapolis, Ind., from April 28 – May 1, 2025. Registration is now open, and industry members are encouraged to secure their spot today.

Craft beer has long been a cornerstone of American culture, driving beverage innovation and transforming local economies. According to the most recent data from the BA, craft beer is a $77.1 billion industry in the U.S., with Indiana’s craft brewing scene home to over 200 breweries and contributing $1.6 billion annually in economic impact. 2025 will be the first time Indianapolis has hosted the Craft Brewers Conference. With more than 10,000 industry professionals expected in attendance, the event continues to boost host city economies via lodging, dining, entertainment, tourism, and sales from local commerce.

During this year’s Craft Brewers Conference, attendees will experience gatherings centered around their trade, featuring over 125 expert speakers and 60 seminars intended to provide actionable insights across various beverage alcohol tracks, including but not limited to technical brewing techniques, quality control, marketing strategies, safety and sustainability, legal and regulatory issues, emerging trends, and more. The conference aims to equip beverage alcohol professionals of all experience backgrounds with the tools to elevate craft beverages amid an ever-changing industry landscape.

BrewExpo America, known as the largest beverage alcohol conference and trade show in the U.S., will bring over 550 exhibitors to the Indiana Convention Center and share the latest and greatest product innovations and services for beverage alcohol producers. This year’s event will highlight offerings beyond traditional craft brewer topics, including seminars on THC beverages, distilling, non-alcohol beverages, and the art of cidermaking.

The conference will conclude on Thursday, May 1, at 5:00 p.m. local time with the prestigious World Beer Cup® (WBC) awards ceremony. Often dubbed the “Olympics of Beer,” the international competition highlights the artistry and science of brewing, spotlighting the most exceptional beers and brewers worldwide. In 2025, the competition will broaden to welcome cider submissions in six new categories.

The Brewers Association encourages beverage alcohol industry professionals to register at CraftBrewersConference.com. Early bird registration is open Jan. 8-Feb. 26; regular registration is open Feb. 27-Apr. 22; and late/onsite registration is open Apr. 23-May 1.

Media interested in attending and covering the 2025 Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America and World Beer Cup at the Indiana Convention Center must apply for media credentials. Please direct any questions related to the 2025 Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America and World Beer Cup to brewerspr@backbone.mediaOpens in new window.

Media contact: Jessie Vandenhouten (on behalf of the Brewers Association)

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Brewers Association Announces 2025 Board of Directors Appointments

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BOULDER, Colorado — The Brewers Association—the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers—is pleased to announce the two at-large board members appointed to the 2025 Brewers Association Board of Directors.

  • Shawna Cormier, Seattle Beer School (WA) – appointed to a one-year term
  • Colby Cox, Pure Madness Brewery Group (WY) – appointed to a two-year term

The board gathered in Atlanta, Georgia, on December 12 for the last of its quarterly meetings of the year. The appointed board members will join the three recently elected board members when the board begins its new term in February.

  • Tomme Arthur (taproom class), The Lost Abbey (CA)
  • Bill Butcher (packaging class), Port City Brewing, Co. (VA)
  • Leah Cheston (brewpub class), Right Proper Brewing Company (DC)

Board of Directors officers and committee chairs will be announced at the board meeting on February 12-13, 2025.

About the Brewers Association

The Brewers Association (BA) is the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, their beers, and the community of brewing enthusiasts. The BA represents 5,600-plus U.S. breweries. The BA’s independent craft brewer seal is a widely adopted symbol that differentiates beers by small and independent craft brewers. The Brewers Association organizes events, including the World Beer Cup®, Great American Beer Festival, Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America, National Homebrew Competition, and American Craft Beer Week. The BA publishes The New Brewer and Zymurgy magazines, and Brewers Publications® is the leading publisher of brewing literature in the U.S. Beer lovers are invited to learn more about the dynamic world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com and about homebrewing via the American Homebrewers Association.

For Brewing fun facts, trivia, movies and more, Click Here.

The 2024 Year in Beer

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BOULDER, CO — As 2024 comes to a close, the Brewers Association (BA)—the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American craft brewers—recaps a year of decelerated growth and continued honing of offerings.

In the BA’s midyear survey, craft saw a slightly more significant estimated decline in production (-2%) compared to the full year 2023 data (-1%). There were no significant year-over-year (YOY) variations in sales volume share by channel, and one distributed channel did not overtake another, suggesting a balance between where consumers are purchasing and where breweries are supplying.

In the second half of the year, Q3 scan data suggested weaker performance than the first half of the year, though there has been some deceleration of declines in recent periods. This suggests a full-year number that may be weaker than the midyear estimate.

“Craft has been going through a painful period of rationalization as demand growth has slowed and retailers and distributors look to simplify their offerings or add options for flavor and variety outside of the craft category,” said Bart Watson, vice president of strategy and membership, Brewers Association. “That said, breweries have reacted to these changes by focusing on distribution, continuing to innovate in their taprooms and brewpubs, creating groups and partnerships, and offering a wider range of beverages in their portfolios.”

Here’s a look at the highlights defining the Year in Beer.

Craft Beer by the Numbers

Count: The number of small and independent breweries in operation in the U.S. in 2024 totaled 9,736.

Openings and Closings: Throughout the year, the BA has tracked 335 new brewery openings and 399 closings. Despite the slight decline in the number of breweries in operation, closings remain a low percentage of total operating breweries.

Employment: The craft beer industry supported nearly 460,000 jobs nationwide, fostering local economies and creating opportunities.

Economic Impact: Craft beer’s contribution to the U.S. economy reached an impressive $77.1 billion, demonstrating its vital role in the broader beverage market.

2024’s Hottest Market Trends

Non-Alcohol Beer Boom: With the growing demand for mindful drinking, non-alcohol beer sales soared (scan dollars up 30%+ year-over-year from January through October) as brewers refined their techniques to deliver flavor-packed options.
Focus: After years of unfettered innovation ruling the industry, brewers are focusing more on building off of products and models where they’ve found success.

Hospitality: Breweries embraced new ways to emphasize the customer experience, from offering diverse dining options, cocktails, and mindful drinking options to family-friendly activities such as menus for kids to color.
Major Events of 2024

Great American Beer Festival (GABF®): October’s GABF welcomed more than 40,000 attendees and featured 2,500+ beers from 500+ breweries, highlighting the best American craft beer, ciders, ready-to-drink cocktails, hard teas, and kombuchas.

World Beer Cup (WBC): Known as “The Olympics of Beer,” the 2024 WBC evaluated 9,300 entries with breweries from 37 countries vying for global recognition.

Beer Weeks: Communities across the U.S. celebrated American Craft Beer Week in May, strengthening the bond between breweries and their fans.

Looking Ahead

As the craft beer landscape evolves, the industry is poised for another challenging year in 2025, with additional uncertainty, potential tariffs and rising costs, retailers and distributors looking to simplify offerings, and potential new dietary guidelines for beverage alcohol. Market pressures will likely lead to continued consolidation and alliances to cut costs and utilize excess capacity.

“Brewers are experiencing critical challenges at the crossroads of a high-cost environment paired with slowing growth,” said Watson. “To grow in 2025, brewers must do what they do best: adapt. They also will need to continue to do the hard work to find ways to tell their story and differentiate their brands against the competition.”

For a deeper dive into 2024 and predictions for 2025, BA members are invited to attend the “Ten Points and Predictions for 2025” webinar on Thursday, December 19 at 11:00 a.m. MT with Vice President of Strategy and Membership Bart Watson and Staff Economist Matt Gacioch. Register here.

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World Beer Cup Announces 2024 Winners

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LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Known as “the Olympics of beer,” the World Beer Cup is the most prestigious beer competition in the world, held annually in conjunction with the Craft Brewers Conference® & BrewExpo America®.

Developed in 1996 to celebrate the art and science of brewing, this global competition continues to create greater consumer awareness about different beer styles and flavor profiles while promoting international brewing excellence.

“When industry professionals acknowledge the excellence in products from around the market, the beer drinker can be sure that those brands are the finest available,” says Chris Williams, World Beer Cup competition director.

The World Beer Cup recognizes brewing excellence in more than 100 categories but does not automatically award the top three entries in a particular category. When judges determine that a category contains three excellent examples of the style, they present gold, silver, and bronze awards for the first, second, and third place beers, respectively.

Click Here To View The List Of The 2024 Award Winners.

About the Brewers Association
The World Beer Cup is organized by the Brewers Association, the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, their beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts.

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The 2023 Year in Beer

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Boulder, Colorado — As 2023 draws to a close, the Brewers Association—the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American craft brewers—recaps a year that proved challenging for many small and independent brewers facing a mature, competitive marketplace. Its midyear survey indicated a production dip, with all signs pointing to production being down in 2023, the first time outside of a unique 2020 that independent brewers have seen such a decline. Craft’s challenges come in the context of a slow-growth environment for all beer. Pricing, demographics, and marketing/branding continue to be factors in beer’s continued share loss within beverage alcohol.

“While many individual businesses are struggling, there is good news in the continued overall popularity of the category. Yes, things are more challenging, but independent brewers still sell more than one out of eight beers in the United States; beer drinkers spend roughly one out of four of their beer dollars on a beer from a small and independent brewer; and the industry remains a source of jobs and community across the country,” said Bart Watson, chief economist, Brewers Association.

Federally and on the state level, the Brewers Association continued its work to ensure small brewers have equitable access to markets, fair tax rates, and sensible regulations. The Brewers Association prioritized working closely with state guilds nationwide to modernize outdated laws and regulations, with efforts supporting shipping craft beer directly to consumers, beer franchise law reform, and self-distribution authorization for small and independent craft brewers.

“While the Brewers Association, along with state guilds, will continue to fight for additional market access in areas such as direct-to-consumer shipping, many of craft’s current challenges will require new strategies to reach new and existing customers in new occasions with new flavors and innovations,” said Watson. “To grow in 2024, small brewers can work to take share within the same pie or grow the pie in new ways.”

Supply chain issues moderated somewhat in 2023, but climate change and persisting disruptions challenged brewers throughout the year. Climatic stresses affected the two primary agricultural inputs in brewing: barley and hops. The 2023 North American barley harvest was larger than in 2022 but still below the five-year average. Barley quality issues persisted, particularly in the Canadian prairie provinces and parts of Montana, where precipitation remained below average and temperatures stayed above normal. In the U.S., hop acreage strung for harvest decreased due to the large volume of hops in inventory, but growing conditions produced above-average yields in most varieties. Climatic conditions continued to be challenging in Europe, with the quantity of hops harvested remaining well below average. The supply of CO2 stabilized somewhat, but spot shortages continued to affect some regions.

View the complete 2023 Year in Beer report.

For a deeper dive into 2023 and predictions for 2024, Brewers Association members are invited to attend the “Ten Points and Predictions for 2024” webinar on Thursday, Dec. 14, at 10:00 a.m. MT with chief economist Bart Watson. Register here.

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Brewers Association 2022 Year in Beer

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BOULDER, Colorado — The Brewers Association—the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American craft brewers—recounts a year filled with varied growth, continued supply chain disruptions, and increased competition. Despite these challenges, 2022 also saw a return to in-person events and the nurturing of the next generation of craft beer professionals.

Breweries, bars, and restaurants continued their long and unsteady recovery in 2022, and while total on-premise sales bounced back to their previous trends, draught beer is still recovering. Small and local brewpubs and taprooms proved nimble during continued supply disruptions, faring better than micros and regionals fighting for shelf space in an increasingly competitive distribution climate.

Climate change and persisting supply and ingredient disruptions and shortages continued to plague brewers throughout the year. Although the 2022 barley harvest improved, the severe depletion of stocks in 2021 kept supplies tight and prices high in a dynamic and changing market. 2022 hop acreage declined slightly in the U.S., while the European harvest was the worst in decades. Disruptions in the supply of aluminum cans and CO2 continued to impede recovery.

“Riding through a challenging and competitive year, taprooms and brewpubs found ways to innovate and keep customers coming through the door, while brands with a retail presence continued to compete with other beverage alcohol choices for shelf space,” said Bart Watson, chief economist, Brewers Association. “2023 will be a reset for many brewers as they return to more conscious and thoughtful innovation to balance customer demand and adapt to supply chain fluctuations.”

Nationally and on the state level, the Brewers Association continued its work to ensure small brewers have equitable access to markets, fair tax rates, and sensible regulations.

In the fight for fair treatment for craft brewers, the Brewers Association submitted comments to the Department of the Treasury on wholesaler consolidation, unfair state franchise laws, and restrictions on direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales.

The Brewers Association joined fights against lowered excise taxes for ready-to-drink canned cocktails (RTDs) in Arizona, New Jersey, Washington, and Vermont and grassroots advocacy in Illinois, New Jersey, California, and Colorado. The BA will continue to support direct-to-consumer shipping, protecting existing allowances in states such as California, and bringing the practice to states currently without.

As the craft beer industry continues to mature, industry veterans have embraced their ability to assist newcomers as these rising professionals build their careers. Through its mentorship program, the Brewers Association has connected more than 100 mentors with entrepreneurs and professionals looking to develop their knowledge and skills, and those seeking to break into the craft brewing industry for the first time. With its fourth cohort now complete, the program has hosted 124 mentees and 102 mentors.

Beer lover interest in returning to in-person beer festivals was on full display in Denver October 6-8 as 40,000 attendees convened after a two-year hiatus for the 40th anniversary Great American Beer Festival.

“The maturing craft industry continues to grow more competitive, facing both internal business pressures and externally the continued growth of new beverage alcohol competitors,” said Watson. “While these challenges are daunting, craft brewers are known for their innovation and flexibility, and will need both as they evolve to meet the next generation of beer lovers with new beers and new occasions.”

Given learnings from 2022, the Brewers Association predicts that in 2023:
• Brewery openings will be the lowest in over a decade
• Distributed craft volume will not grow
• Supply chain will remain rocky, but collectively average prices will come down from 2022 peaks
• Total brewery employment will increase

Check out the complete 2022 Year in Beer report here.

About the Brewers Association
The Brewers Association (BA) is the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, their beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts. The BA represents 5,600-plus U.S. breweries and more than 37,000 homebrewers. The BA’s independe craft brewer seal is a widely adopted symbol that differentiates beers by small and independent craft brewers. The BA organizes events including the World Beer Cup®, Great American Beer Festival®, Craft Brewers Conference® & BrewExpo America®, SAVOR™: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience, Homebrew Con™, National Homebrew Competition and American Craft Beer Week®. The BA publishes The New Brewer® and Zymurgy® magazines, and Brewers Publications® is the leading publisher of brewing literature in the U.S. Beer lovers are invited to learn more about the dynamic world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com® and about homebrewing via the BA’s American Homebrewers Association® and the free Brew Guru® mobile app. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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2020 Brewers Association Industry Awards

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2020 Brewers Association Industry Awards winnersBoulder, Colorado — The Brewers Association (BA)—the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American craft brewers—today announced the recipients of the 2020 Brewers Association Industry Awards. Three members of the brewing community were recognized and awarded for their dedication and service. The Brewers Association has been recognizing individuals who inspire, defend, and innovate within the craft brewing industry since 1987.

2020 Brewers Association Industry Awards recipients were nominated by their peers and determined by vote from committees made up of members of the Brewers Association board of directors or past winners of the innovation award.

“This year’s award recipients have elevated craft brewing to greater levels in business and brewing innovation, and have worked towards fair legislative and regulatory treatment for craft brewers,” said Paul Gatza, senior vice president of professional brewing division, Brewers Association.

2020 Industry Awards Recipients

Brewers Association Recognition Award
Oscar Wong, founder of Highland Brewing Co. (Asheville, N.C.)

This award is presented each year to an individual or company whose inspiration, enthusiasm, and support have contributed to the craft brewing movement. In 1994, Oscar Wong founded Asheville, North Carolina’s first craft brewery, Highland Brewing Co., kicking off a craft beer renaissance that took the city from sleepy mountain town to the craft beer capital of the Southeast. Wong is widely recognized as the “Father of Asheville Craft Beer.” In 2019, the brewery celebrated 25 years of quality craft beer and independent family ownership. This year, the brewery will celebrate Wong’s 80th birthday and his pioneering spirit, which continues to inspire the local brewing community to this day.

“This is over the top. I am so proud and humbled to be in the ranks of this distinguished group of honorees,” said Oscar Wong, founder of Highland Brewing Co. and recipient of the Brewers Association Recognition Award. “It means the world to me that our little brewery from a sleepy mountain town could be recognized for our role in the great American craft beer movement.”

Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Craft Brewing
Brendan McGivney, chief operations officer at Odell Brewing Co. (Fort Collins, Colo.)

This award is presented in honor of Wynkoop Brewing Company’s Russell Schehrer to an individual or company for their innovative contributions to the brewing industry. McGivney has worked at Odell Brewing since 1995 and is recognized for aiding the development of new hops, building farmer-brewer relationships, serving as part of the hop quality group, and discovering the innovative process of “fresh grind” hops. A hop pioneer in the craft industry, McGivney is responsible for developing brands such as Odell IPA, Drumroll American Pale Ale, Friek, 5 Barrel Pale Ale, and Rupture. In addition to helping other breweries with his wisdom, McGivney’s work has allowed smaller breweries better access to higher quality hops and new experimental varieties.

F.X. Matt Defense of the Industry Award
Adam DeBower, co-founder and director of operations at Austin Beerworks (Austin, Texas)

This award is named for the late F.X. Matt of F.X. Matt Brewing Co. and is presented to an individual or company for their contributions and efforts in championing the small brewing industry. In 2019, DeBower, along with other Texas brewers and the Texas Craft Brewers Guild, drove a successful effort to allow most manufacturing breweries to sell beer to-go at their taprooms. DeBower currently serves as the chair of the Texas Craft Brewers Guild Legislative Committee and in 2017 founded CraftPAC, a political action committee dedicated to advancing the rights of Texas craft brewers.

In addition to the 2020 Brewers Association Industry Awards for brewers, the Brewers Association also conducts two prestigious national and international brewing competitions – Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup.

About the Brewers Association
The Brewers Association (BA) is the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, their beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts. The BA represents 4,800-plus U.S. breweries. The BA’s independent craft brewer seal is a widely adopted symbol that differentiates beers by small and independent craft brewers. The BA organizes events including the World Beer Cup®, Great American Beer Festival®, Craft Brewers Conference® & BrewExpo America®, SAVOR™: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience, Homebrew Con™, National Homebrew Competition and American Craft Beer Week®. The BA publishes The New Brewer® magazine, and Brewers Publications® is the leading publisher of brewing literature in the U.S. Beer lovers are invited to learn more about the dynamic world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com® and about homebrewing via the BA’s American Homebrewers Association® and the free Brew Guru® mobile app.

The Brewers Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital/familial status. The BA complies with provisions of Executive Order 11246 and the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.